I stepped out of my father's study, the door clicking shut behind me with a solid, final thud. For a moment, I just stood there, one hand pressed to my chest.
That... had gone better than I expected.
He listened.
That alone was enough to send a ripple of disbelief through me. The Duke of Belmont did not waste time on trivialities—yet he'd not only listened, he'd considered my idea. He even offered to teach me.
A slow, disbelieving smile crept across my lips.
I might actually survive this world.
No—more than survive. If I played this right, if I kept my head, I could change things. For myself. For the family. For all of us.
The Belmont name might have fallen, but that didn't mean we had to stay buried in the dirt.
I was still turning over the details in my mind—tariffs, exclusivity, possible leverage points—when I heard quick footsteps pounding down the corridor.
"Eli!"
Julian.
He practically launched himself at me, his tiny hands grabbing my sleeve like I might disappear if he let go. His brown curls were a mess, and his cheeks were pink from running.
"You were in Father's study forever," he pouted.
My chest tightened. Julian—sweet, innocent, completely unaware Julian. He had no idea how precarious our position really was. Or how close we were to slipping off the edge of something no one could fix.
I crouched down, brushing a curl off his forehead. "I was talking to Father about something important," I said, careful with my words.
Julian huffed and crossed his arms, his little fists tight with frustration. "You haven't played with me these couple of days."
Oh. Right.
The original Elisha must've spent a lot of time with him. And now, with the shift in behavior, he probably felt like I'd just… vanished.
Guilt prickled sharp and fast in my chest.
"…You're right," I admitted. "That wasn't fair." I tapped his nose, and he let out a surprised giggle. "What do you want to play?"
His face lit up like sunrise. "Let's go outside! The garden's full of flowers today!"
I hesitated. My head was still buzzing with numbers and politics and half-made strategies. I should have gone back to study—read something, anything, that might help me prepare for what was coming next.
But I looked at him. Really looked.
And for just a moment, I wanted to stay here. In this version of the world, where there were only gardens and laughter and a boy who didn't yet know what it meant to lose.
"…Alright," I said.
He cheered like I'd just announced a holiday and tugged my hand with a strength that defied his size. I laughed softly, letting him pull me along.
Maybe relaxing after such a long session wasn't such a bad idea.
The sun warmed my skin as we stepped into the garden, golden light spilling across flowerbeds and gravel paths. A breeze stirred the leaves, bringing with it the scent of fresh earth and spring blooms.
Julian ran ahead, eyes bright, boots crunching against the path as he searched the bushes for hidden treasures.
I folded my arms and watched him.
I'd never had a little brother before. Not in the world I came from. But this… this was nice.
He turned back to me, holding up a small, messy bouquet. "For you!" he said proudly.
I took it carefully, the petals soft and delicate in my hands. "They're beautiful. Thank you, Julian."
He puffed up like he'd just won a duel. I couldn't help it—I laughed.
Then I bent down to sit beside him, and—
"My lady!"
I froze.
I turned and saw one of the household maids jogging toward us, slightly out of breath.
"What is it?" I asked, slipping the flowers into the folds of my skirt.
She curtsied. "Lady Luna has arrived to see you."
My stomach dropped like a stone.
"…Who?"
The maid blinked, clearly startled. "Lady Luna, my lady. Your childhood friend. She's waiting for you in the main room."
Panic seized my chest.
A childhood friend? Now?
My thoughts spiraled—What kind of person was Luna? What did she know about me? Was she warm and affectionate or sharp and suspicious? What if she noticed?
Julian tugged my sleeve again, blissfully unaware. "Are you going to see Luna?"
I forced a smile. "Yes. I suppose I should."
The maid nodded, still oblivious. "Shall I escort you, my lady?"
Every instinct screamed to say no. To hide. To run. But I knew better. If I stalled, it would only make things worse.
I took a breath. Calm. Stay calm. If she's really your friend, she'll talk. Let her. Just listen. You can work with that.
"…Yes," I said, voice steady. "Take me to her."
As I followed the maid back inside, I felt the weight of every step.
This could be the moment everything unravels.